R308.3

Section R308.3 is titled 'Human impact load' and covers the requirements for minimum standards for glazing in hazardous locations. (It is worth noting here that the phrase 'hazardous locations' used throughout section R308 of this code is intended only within the context of glazing; not hazardous materials, etc.) The type of glazing, determination of hazardous location example, and a cross-reference to a subsection for testing requirements is established. The purpose of this section is to specify that glazing in hazardous areas must conform to a specific safety standard, which reduces the potential for severe injury in the event of human impact with the glazing. The section has 3 exceptions which requires louvered windows and jalousies as well as glass block to comply with another section of this code, and excludes mirrors or glass panels with continuous backing from needing to comply with this section. The purpose of these exceptions is to provide safety requirements for glazing not covered by the referenced testing standards, and to exclude glazing from testing where there is lower potential for severe injury in the event of impact with such glazing.

The model shows a window which will be installed in a hazardous location and door which have been tested and labeled, as well as a jalousie door, a mirror mounted directly to a wall, and glass blocks, which are each exempted from the requirements of this section.